"A Western businessman heard that a Zen master living on a faraway mountain knew the three basic secrets of life. Anyone who could obtain these secrets would know everything needed to live a happy fulfilling life. The businessman, whose life felt empty, reflected at length on what those three secrets might be. What possible words would answer all of life's problems and guarantee constant feelings of well being?  Determined to find out, he finally sold his business and began his travels in search of the master.  Two years later he arrived at the top of the right mountain and at the right zendo. There say the Zen master.


The man approached the sage and said, 'Oh master, I have travelled far and wide to hear the three secrets that I need to know in order to live a full and rich life. Would you tell me those secrets?'  


The master bowed in return and said, 'Yes, I will tell you. The first secret is pay attention. The second secret is pay attention. And the third secret is pay attention.'


You are in good company if your response is something like, 'Is that all? I was hoping for something profound.'  But let it sink in and you might wonder, 'What does it really mean to pay attention?'


Pay attention to what?  For starters: to what you are feeling, what you are sensing, and what you are thinking; to the sounds around you, the opening bud, the color of the autumn leaf, to the wind, the shrug of a shoulder, the taste, smell and texture of your food or drink. That kind of paying attention immerses you in life in a new way. 


If you pay attention at every moment, you form a new relationship to time. Your own absorption slows down internally. That slowing down feeds your sense of deep appreciation and at the same time produces more energy.  In some magical way, by slowing down you become more efficient, more productive and energetic, focusing on the task right in front of you. Not only do you become immersed in that moment, you become that moment.